Labour Day long weekend events & activities including free, fun family & kids’ activities, hikes, live music, theatre & performing arts, and more!
Friday, September 1 – Monday, September 4, 2023
- Summer Fun: 75+ Things to Do This 2023 Summer in Kitchener-Waterloo
- Berry Picking: Places to Go Berry Picking in and Around Kitchener-Waterloo Region
- Day Trips: 25 Summer Day Trips From Kitchener-Waterloo Region
I. Family & Kids Activities this weekend
Serbian Food Festival
Delicious Serbian inspired foods of the grill, slow roasted pig or lamb on the spit, sweet and salty pastries, and countless desserts. There will be music and dancing all day and plenty of fun for the kids. Details
September 2 to 3, 2023
Trinity Hall – Outdoor, 700 Fischer-Hallman Rd, Kitchener
Free
Visit Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Experience 1000s of free-flying butterflies, and more, in the indoor tropical conservatory. Details
Daily | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, 2500 Kossuth Rd, Cambridge
General Admission Day Pass (age 13-64): $20;
Senior Day Pass (age 65+): $15.00;
Child Day Pass (3 – 12): $10.00; Child (age 2 and under): Free
African Lion Safari
Canada’s Original Safari Adventure – Get Closer Than You Ever Imagined to lions, giraffe, cheetah, rhinos and over 1,000 other exotic birds and animals! Details
Daily | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
African Lion Safari, 1386 Cooper Road, Hamilton
$22.95 – $48.95
Country Wagon Tour
Enjoy a 2-hour guided Country Tour by tractor and wagon! An antique tractor and open-air people mover/wagon will take you through some of the region’s most beautiful farmland. Tour price includes Heritage Hopper Train Ticket. Passengers board the tour directly from the train at our Elmira Station. Details
Sundays, August 5 – October 28, 2023 | 10:00 AM & 12:00 PM
Elmira Station, 155 Howard Avenue Elmira
$35.99 – $44.99
Heritage Hopper
Join us and travel back in time for an authentic heritage train ride through Woolwich Township and Waterloo Regions’ famous Mennonite farm country on our historic rail line that has been in service since the 1880s. Details
Thursday, Saturday, August 31 – October 28, 2023
Northfield, Farmers Market, and St. Jacobs Station
$19.99 – $39.99
Clovermead Adventure Farm
Connect with nature, create lasting memories and build family traditions. Come enjoy the family fun farm with your family! Details
Monday – Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Clovermead Honey Shop & Adventure Farm, 11302 Imperial Road, Aylmer
$20.99 – $25.99 +HST per person
Visit the Twin Valley Nature Park
Brant-Brantford Twin Valley Nature Park is a 25 acre, family-run, wildlife park home to over 80 species of animals! Details
Daily | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Brant-Brantford Twin Valley Zoo, 84 Langford Church Rd, Brantford
$10.50 – $20
Fall Festival at Brantwood Farms
Join us for fall fun on the farm. Wagon Rides Giant Jumping Pillow Corn Maze Haunted Barn Obstacle Course Corn Pit Straw Castle Mini Maze Tractor Go-Karts. Details
Saturdays & Sundays, September 2 – October 29, 2023
Brantwood Farms, 251 Powerline Rd, Brantford
$14
Sunflowers at the Fieldstone Barn
Come see all the varieties of sunflowers, the alpacas and challenge yourself in our 3 corn mazes or a game of corn hole. Details
Daily | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry at 3 pm)
Fieldstone Barn, 7450 Middlebrook Road, Elora
$5 to $10
Lazy River Floating or Tubing
There are various options in and around KW Region for scenic lazy river tubing. Experience one of them as you explore low-flowing rivers that are safe and surrounded by some of the province’s best examples of nature this labour day weekend.
Go Apple Picking
Delicious apples are ready to pick. Check out these farms for some great options.
Do call the farms to confirm their hours before starting
For more options see,
Fall Festivals
- Mitchell Fall Fair on September 1 – 3, 2023
Sunflower Fields and Mazes in Ontario
A visit to a sunflower farm is surely a cause for a smile, photo ops, and plenty of sunshine. Walk on a path through a sea of yellow flowers and purchase a specialty product from a store on-site to commemorate your summer experience. In Ontario, these flowers bloom for about two weeks only from early to late August/early September. Details
If you are going just for sunflowers, do call the farm to know more about the bloom condition.
Corn Mazes in Ontario
Get lost at world-famous corn mazes or at the one nearest to you for a memorable experience with the family or your bestie. Most of these farms also have a whole bunch of other great activities so you can enjoy the entire day picking pumpkins, milking goats, cuddling bunnies and so much more! Details
II. Live Music
- Outdoor Summer Concerts: Free Outdoor Summer Concerts in Kitchener-Waterloo Region
GALT JAZZ
Enjoy great musical performances on Main Street on first Sundays from June to October. Details
Sunday, September 3, 2023 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Main Street, Downtown Cambridge
Free
III. Theatre/Performing Arts
Rock of Ages
Fans of ’80s arena hard rock music will dig this awesomely hilarious musical comedy that wails with big chords, big hair … and an even bigger heart.
It’s 1987, and aspiring rocker Drew Boley meets and falls madly in love with Sherrie, a fresh-faced Midwesterner who has recently moved to Los Angeles to chase her movie star dreams. Will their stars rise? Will their love last? Find out in the worldwide phenomenon featuring 28 classic rock tunes like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “We Built This City,” “The Final Countdown,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “Here I Go Again,” “Harden My Heart,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” and “I Want To Know What Love Is.”
Don’t stop believin’ … the music that ignited a generation is now rocking Grand Bend! Details
August 9 to September 3, 2023
Huron Country Playhouse Mainstage, RR 1, 70689 B Line, Grand Bend
$34 – $55
Drive-in Movies
What better way to spend an enjoyable time with family than to watch a movie under the stars?
Starlite Drive-in Stoney Creek
For more ideas see, Check out the Drive-In Theatres in Ontario
Various dates
IV. Sports
Hiking the Trails
Get ready for a hiking adventure with us! Our upcoming hike promises not only an active and engaging experience but also a chance to soak in the stunning natural landscapes and create wonderful memories with friends. Details
Friday, September 1, 2023 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Huron Natural Area, 801 Trillium Drive Kitchener
Free
Kitchener Rangers Fan Fest & BBQ
The annual Kitchener Rangers Fan Fest and Barbecue returns this summer, and we hope you’ll join us for a day of fun, games, barbecue, and hockey!
Admission to the Fan Fest and Barbecue is free for all fans, and will include a number of activities including inflatable games, rides, an autograph session with Kitchener Rangers players, and, of course, a BBQ!
Proceeds from BBQ, as well as admission to the Rangers’ exhibition game against Oshawa which follows the BBQ, will once again go to support Make-A-Wish Canada. Tickets for the game are $5.00 (children under 2 are free) and can be purchased at Fan Fest under the Kitchener Rangers tent.
The Rangers autograph session will run from 11am -12pm, with some extra availability from Rangers scratches. The BBQ will feature a combo for one hot dog, fresh-cut fries, and pop for $5.00, cash is preferred. Details
Sunday, September 3, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The Aud – Parking Lot A, 400 East Avenue, Kitchener
Fan fest is free to all fans
Kitchener Rangers 2023 Preseason Showcase
The first 2023 Preseason exhibition game will be held at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on September 3rd. Details
vs. Oshawa on Sunday, September 3, 2023 | 2:00 PM
The Aud, 400 East Avenue, Kitchener
Tickets for the game are $5.00 (children under 2 are free) and can be purchased at Fan Fest under the Kitchener Rangers tent.
67th Annual Brantford Soap Box Derby
Join the 67th Annual Brantford Soap Box Derby. Details
Monday, September 4, 2023 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Registration 8:00 a.m. Race time 9:00 a.m.
Icomm Dr. Hill, Brantford
Free; Registration required to participate
Go Golfing
Golf courses across the Kitchener-Waterloo region are open. Book a tee time!
Go Hiking or Visit Nature Areas
There are plenty of opportunities across the Kitchener-Waterloo Region to enjoy nature. Go cycling and explore Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo.
Enjoy a leisurely walk with the family at any of these locations:
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- 25 Nature Attractions & Parks in Kitchener-Waterloo Region
- 25 Fabulous Scenic Lookouts to Visit in Ontario
- 26 Nature Parks and Hiking Spots in the Halton Region
- 100 Adventures in Ontario Provincial Parks
- 25 of the Best Hiking Trails in Hamilton
- 25 Waterfalls to Visit Near Toronto
- 25 Hiking Spots & Nature Parks in York Region
- 50 Nature Attractions & Hotspots in and around GTA
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V. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
Labour Day Picnic 2023
The Waterloo Regional Labour Council will host the annual BBQ and family-friendly event! Join us from 12-4 in Waterloo Park for food, friends, entertainment, and fun! Details
Monday, September 4, 2023 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Waterloo Park, Westmount Road Entrance
All $1 each
Le Burger Week
Throughout the week, burger aficionados everywhere are called upon to indulge in their city’s LBW burgers and vote for their favourite one! Details
September 1 to 14, 2023
Participating Restaurants
Varies with restaurants
Cipher | Decipher exhibition
Providing visitors with a rare and exciting opportunity to view an authentic Second World War Enigma cipher machine, Cipher | Decipher breaks down communications encryption: what it is, how it works, and how it affects our lives. The 500-square-foot exhibition showcases a wide range of historic communications encryption artifacts on loan from the CSE, and contains both hands-on and digital experiences, as well as custom illustrations that visually demonstrate key processes in cybersecurity, and making and breaking ciphers. Visitors will be able to scramble their own messages using a cipher wheel, see how an Enigma cipher machine works and tackle puzzles to learn if they have what it takes to work in the field of cryptology. Details
Tuesday to Friday | 10 AM – 4 PM
City of Waterloo Museum, located at Conestoga Mall (near the food court)
Free
Long Weekend Latin Party inside The Uptown
The Biggest Long Weekend Sunday LATIN party is back inside The Uptown Drink Waterloo! Featuring the best LATIN music with Canada’s best LATIN DJ, DJ Torque! Details
Sunday, September 3, 2023 | 10:00 PM
The Drink Uptown, 56 King Street North Waterloo
$11.98
St. Jacobs & Aberfoyle Model Railway
St. Jacobs & Aberfoyle Model Railway is an O scale (¼”= 12″) model railway depicting Southern Ontario in the late 1950’s. All our models are hand built and represent both major Canadian railways, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific. Come watch our freight trains and passenger cars recreate the era of the great train journeys. Details
September 2 – 4, 2023
St. Jacobs & Aberfoyle Model Railway, 1440 King Street North, St. Jacobs
$5 – $10
Summer Send-Off Patio Party
Send summer off in style with three days of events! Details
September 1 – 3, 2023
TWB Co-operative Brewing, 300 Mill St. Unit #1, Kitchener
Ontario Weekend Tree Farm Experience
Experience a rural Ontario Christmas tree and maple syrup farm during the growing season, close to the GTA in a relaxed setting. Enjoy the fresh air, explore the farm trails, take pictures, and pack a picnic lunch. Details
Saturdays and Sundays, April 29 – September 3, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Elliott Tree Farm, 9467 Erin East Garafraxa Townline, Hillsburgh
$30 to $40 per vehicle
Kitchener Psychic & Crystal Fair
Some of Canada’s Top Psychics, Mediums, Astrologers, New Frequency Energy Healing Tech, Aura Photography, Rune Reading, Healers. Tea Leaf and Palm Readers. Lots of beautiful crystals and hand made jewelry. Details
September 1 – 3, 2023
DoubleTree by Hilton Kitchener, 30 Fairway Rd. S. Kitchener
$10
Cambridge Farmers’ Market
The Cambridge Farmers’ Market is our community food hub. It is where residents gather, talk about food and community happenings. Details
Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
40 Dickson Street, Cambridge
Free admission
JayWalking Guelph – The Unfortunate Man Tour
A compelling true story of murder from 1889 told right where it happened. See where William Harvey worked (James Walter Lyon’s The World Publishing Company), Bond’s Hardware where William Harvey bought the pistol, St. George’s Church, where William was the Sunday School Superintendent, and finally the Wellington County Courthouse where William Harvey was hanged! Hear actual newspaper accounts of the day recited from memory. Hear William’s final words. Listen to detailed accounts of this shocking event exactly as written in 1889. Thrills guaranteed. Details
Friday, September 1, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
In Front of Red Brick Cafe, 8 Douglas Street, Guelph
$27.96
Go Fishing
You can cast a line and reel in that big catch at Ontario Provincial Parks.
50+ Bucket List Ideas for Summer in Ontario
Read More
Preston Towne Market
Farm produce, baked goods, artisans, musicians and so much more. Come down with the family for dinner, enjoy the splash pad, play in the park, shop local vendors and the bustling downtown Preston businesses. Details
Thursday | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Central Park, Cambridge
Free
Elora Art Walk- Self Guided Tour
Enjoy a self-guided art tour through the village of Elora, Ontario. Take the opportunity to explore and experience the richness of visual art and culture in our community. We have a variety of public and private galleries, outdoor sculpture projects and public art displays. Details
Mondays – Wednesdays 10 AM – 4 PM
Thursdays – Saturdays 10 AM – 5 PM
Sundays 11 AM – 4 PM
Elora Centre For The Arts, 75 Melville St, Elora
Kitchener Farmer’s Market
Shop groceries or weekend meals, including meat, produce, dairy, and specialty items from the Farmer’s Market. Details
Saturdays | 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
300 King St E, Kitchener
Free
Guided Tours of The DSC
Come out for a guided tour of the DSC! Details
Monday & Friday, May 26 – October 30, 2023 | 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, 6981 Concession 4, Puslinch
$182.02 for a group of eight
Main Street Pop-Up Market
The Main Street Pop-Up Market is open 10:00am – 3:00pm on the select Sundays. Details
Alternate Sundays, June 25 – September 24, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Main Street, Downtown Cambridge
Free
McCrae House Tea at Two
Tour McCrae House, and then relax and reflect over tea, scones and fresh fruit in the peaceful backyard garden. Details
select days, until September 3, 2023 | 2:00 PM
McCrae House, 108 Water Street, Guelph
$17.00 per person + tax
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there may be typographical/oversight errors or events may be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned event Websites/officials.